I found this chapter to be very disheartening, yet, in agreement with the fact that "the other obstacles on the list could be significantly lessened, even overcome, if teachers and students were united as allies in a struggle against ignorance, oppression, and poverty of the spirit." I believe that the unification of teachers and students is more important than the unification of any of the other pieces in the game and it is essential that as educators we engage, inspire, and listen to students. The author argues that students, teachers, administrators, and parents all participate in the game of school. How can we refuse to participate and encourage others to do the same? "The pursuit of learning turns in to avoidance..." How do we reignite the spark for the pursuit of learning? I believe that increasing student engagement through culturally relevant learning will inspire students to take ownership, because they are shaping their own learning based on something personal. The best way to achieve this is by teachers working together in teams, creating performance based, multidisciplinary lessons that allow students to showcase their talents, skills, and interests. It is essential to break free from the rituals that are entrenched in schools, because I believe that as each person refuses to play the game, more will follow suit, allowing the passionate teacher to teach passionate students...perpetuating change.
The author argues that students, teachers, administrators, and parents all participate in the game of school. How can we refuse to participate and encourage others to do the same?
"The pursuit of learning turns in to avoidance..." How do we reignite the spark for the pursuit of learning? I believe that increasing student engagement through culturally relevant learning will inspire students to take ownership, because they are shaping their own learning based on something personal. The best way to achieve this is by teachers working together in teams, creating performance based, multidisciplinary lessons that allow students to showcase their talents, skills, and interests.
It is essential to break free from the rituals that are entrenched in schools, because I believe that as each person refuses to play the game, more will follow suit, allowing the passionate teacher to teach passionate students...perpetuating change.